October 2018

Benchmarks

This month we are embarking on our first set of Benchmark Assessments (as well as eating a lot of tacos and venturing out for candy). While Benchmarks often times seem a bit scary or intimidating, they really are quite the opposite.

Close your eyes and imagine: super creepy Halloween mask vs. cuddly puppies.

Benchmarks are like cuddly puppies.

The reason Benchmarks are much less scary than presumed is simple: they are always a help, never a hurt.

Benchmarks allow teachers to work with the most current data related to students' learning. Right down to the question and the objective/standard connected to said question, teachers use this data to plan for how to intervene when students are struggling. And, for those students that are excelling, this allows teachers to adjust and enrich and promote opportunities beyond typical instruction so that every child's learning is personalized.

So, think "cuddly puppies" and do your best!

Goal-Setting

Setting goals for oneself is incredibly important. Doing so allows one to monitor their progress and adjust so that they might meet any goal they've set for themselves. From top athletes to corporate boardrooms, goal-setting strategies abound.

In the coming weeks you'll hear more from us about setting goals for your academic growth. Your principals and teachers will be communicating various tips and tricks to ensure you're on the path to success.

Until then, I think it best that you try a few simple steps before setting any goals:

1. Reflect (Think about what you've struggled to learn, and Think about what was easy to learn, too.)

2. Write (Jot down a few notes on where you want to be at the end of this year. What new concepts do you want to discover?)

3. Share (Tell somebody! Email your teacher. Text your advisor. Wake up your parents and tell them how excited you are to learn!--okay, don't do that... but do tell them.)

School Dates

Oct. 5th-Oct.12th: Benchmark Week (Sept. 26th starters are exempt)

Oct. 8th: Secondary: Parent/Teacher Conference

Oct. 17th: Learning Coach University Session

Oct. 22nd: Elementary: Parent/Teacher Conference

October 23-31: Red Ribbon Week

October 26: October Outings: 10am - 12pm

Fun Dates

Oct. 4th: National Taco Day

Oct. 10th: World Mental Health Day

Oct. 28th: National Chocolate Day

School Events

https://www.facebook.com/pg/TexasOnlinePreparatorySchool/events/

Per Texas Education Code (TEC) Sec 25.095, a student will receive a 3 day letter for 3 unexcused absences in a 4 week period.

An absence is unexcused until we have received documentation from a legal guardian.

Acceptable documentation must consist of one of the following:

1. Doctor's Note

2. Parent note of illness up to 3 consecutive days. After 3 consecutive days missed, we must have a doctor or hospital note on file.

3. Religious holiday

4. Bereavement up to 5 consecutive days

5. Other-

(This will be determined through TEC 25.087 Excused Absence Code)

A student will also receive a 5 or 10-day letter for any corresponding days missed. The students that receive the 10-day letter will have the opportunity to appeal these absences through the appeal link at the bottom of their letter.

A student’s absence can only be excused when documentation is received through the DocuSign link provided at the bottom of this letter. This link provides families the opportunity to state the student’s date of absence and upload the note all in one place. Parents/Learning Coaches must select upload and download the attachment.

Charles Forrest Smith

Mr. Smith is a graduate of Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida (BA, English) and Fort Hays State University in Fort Hays, Kansas (Master of Liberal Studies). In addition, Mr. Smith holds a post-graduate certificate in Educational Leadership and principal certification from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. Formerly, Mr. Smith was Visiting Professor of English at Kyungpook National University in Daegu, South Korea. As an educational leader, Mr. Smith has owned and operated his own after-school learning program, served as Principal and Assistant Principal on various campuses, and has worked as an educational consultant and curriculum writer.

Email: fsmith@texasonlineprep.org
Website: tops.k12.com
Location: 1955 Lakeway Drive Suite 250B, Lewisville, TX, United States
Phone: 832-802-8979
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TexasOnlinePreparatorySchool/
Twitter: @topsforrest